Thank you for sharing! In a world-full of reminders to set boundaries by learning how to say "no," it's also important to remember to embrace opportunities by learning how to say "yes!"
I’m obsessed with the idea of the “possibility tree.” And your point about decisions being reversible is so important; in order to avoid being trapped by all the things we say yes to, we need to allow ourselves to decide *not* to continue doing them at some point, if that becomes necessary.
Thanks Maddie! I had actually missed the possibility tree quote the first time I read it, but when I went back to reread that section it made perfect sense.
My friend got dumped via a sneak-attack breakup (simple convo turned into "This just isn't working out."), I went over to console her shortly after it happened and watched her do everything that I did (none of which helped) and I knew other friends did the same (didn't help them either), and I ended up writing a (very thin) book about it (who needs to read 300 pages to get over heartbreak?). It was a fluke! So was the podcast I started and named after the book during the pandemic. And so is my Substack (also named in kind). And I've been weirdly fighting going down this sassy path for a decade longer than I needed to. But I'm so glad I said, "Yes, I'll be right over," and "Yeah, why not start a podcast when the only one you've listened to was 'Serial' and have no idea what you're doing," and "Sure, let's do a Substack...after you let your other blogs die of neglect." When it's right, it's right. But maybe take a moment before saying Yes to a tattoo. Those are kinda hard to undo. This is great, Chris. xo
Did have one...until I had to go back to work full full-time. It was a COVID project but I will bring her back one day. Soon, I hope. I don't have tattoos, either. Commitment issues. 😉 xo
Pushing through mental obstacles that prevent us from saying yes to the unknown has a snowball effect. Suddenly the fear doesn't seem so great and the excitement becomes a craving. At times in my life the walls seemed too high and I didn't have the strength, so I languished in fear and darkness in those areas. I learned that sharing these times with an trusted friend and being honest can have a major impact to push on when you are battling alone. I have been successful taking on tough issues and I still deal with this regularly. Thanks for a encouraging read!
Gaining control over our lives requires understanding of our mind, body, and emotions. This understanding will help everyone put everything in the right place naturally, without forcing it. It is important to find balance among these aspects.
thanks for posting this. It really made me laugh inwardly cause yes, I rarely say yes. Also, you need to commute to places to do things, and I really don't like commuting
I've been recording my pieces, and the other day I listened to recordings of how to pronounce "lariat" multiple times. Still think I did not nail it. 🤣
As someone who also defaults to saying 'no' a lot saying yes multiple times in the last three years has changed my life. One of the more drastic ones: I helped to pass a piece of legislation in Florida this year. Wild how life leads you. Thank you for this post, I am certainly better for having read it.
Your resilience in the face of adversity and your emphasis on embracing serendipity is remarkable. Thank you for sharing such a powerful and inspiring story. The importance of saying 'yes' to new opportunities, connecting with others, and opening ourselves up to the unexpected is a valuable illustration of the transformative power of these serendipitous moments.
Christopher. I agree writing is a serendipity. Countless times in the past 14 months of writing on Substack I finish a poem or parable and watch it take on a life of its own. I enjoy challenging the readers to think for themselves and let Gods word speak to them. Although I never considered myself a writer I look back and remember clients and customers always telling me that I always had a story. Good thoughts. Enjoyable.
This is absolutely amazing. It's so true that those surprise connections can really move us forward on a path we may not have considered. I e Professor calls it happenstance. I'm a true Pollyanna and always believe the universe sends us what we need if we will open our eyes and see the signs. Thanks for such a wonderful post!
Thank you for sharing! In a world-full of reminders to set boundaries by learning how to say "no," it's also important to remember to embrace opportunities by learning how to say "yes!"
Thanks Sydney!
I’m obsessed with the idea of the “possibility tree.” And your point about decisions being reversible is so important; in order to avoid being trapped by all the things we say yes to, we need to allow ourselves to decide *not* to continue doing them at some point, if that becomes necessary.
Thanks Maddie! I had actually missed the possibility tree quote the first time I read it, but when I went back to reread that section it made perfect sense.
My friend got dumped via a sneak-attack breakup (simple convo turned into "This just isn't working out."), I went over to console her shortly after it happened and watched her do everything that I did (none of which helped) and I knew other friends did the same (didn't help them either), and I ended up writing a (very thin) book about it (who needs to read 300 pages to get over heartbreak?). It was a fluke! So was the podcast I started and named after the book during the pandemic. And so is my Substack (also named in kind). And I've been weirdly fighting going down this sassy path for a decade longer than I needed to. But I'm so glad I said, "Yes, I'll be right over," and "Yeah, why not start a podcast when the only one you've listened to was 'Serial' and have no idea what you're doing," and "Sure, let's do a Substack...after you let your other blogs die of neglect." When it's right, it's right. But maybe take a moment before saying Yes to a tattoo. Those are kinda hard to undo. This is great, Chris. xo
I hate needles so I won't be going the tattoo route, don't you worry :)
I didn't realize you had a podcast?!
Did have one...until I had to go back to work full full-time. It was a COVID project but I will bring her back one day. Soon, I hope. I don't have tattoos, either. Commitment issues. 😉 xo
Pushing through mental obstacles that prevent us from saying yes to the unknown has a snowball effect. Suddenly the fear doesn't seem so great and the excitement becomes a craving. At times in my life the walls seemed too high and I didn't have the strength, so I languished in fear and darkness in those areas. I learned that sharing these times with an trusted friend and being honest can have a major impact to push on when you are battling alone. I have been successful taking on tough issues and I still deal with this regularly. Thanks for a encouraging read!
Thanks John! I've struggled with all those fears at some point. It's only been within the last few years that I've been able to balance my mindset.
Gaining control over our lives requires understanding of our mind, body, and emotions. This understanding will help everyone put everything in the right place naturally, without forcing it. It is important to find balance among these aspects.
I agree!
thanks for posting this. It really made me laugh inwardly cause yes, I rarely say yes. Also, you need to commute to places to do things, and I really don't like commuting
this made me think about how I always say no to new experiences because, you know, I need to get some writing done instead.
I hear you on that! It is a perpetual struggle.
I love this piece. Thank you for the remainder of the vital role serendipity and collision can play if we allow them.
Also, the extra audio piece is terrific. You have a slightly Ira Glass quality--calm and reassuring, wise and reflective.
Thanks Holly! I edited out all the times I got fired up trying to say "serendipity" 😂
I've been recording my pieces, and the other day I listened to recordings of how to pronounce "lariat" multiple times. Still think I did not nail it. 🤣
As someone who also defaults to saying 'no' a lot saying yes multiple times in the last three years has changed my life. One of the more drastic ones: I helped to pass a piece of legislation in Florida this year. Wild how life leads you. Thank you for this post, I am certainly better for having read it.
Thanks Sarah, and congratulations on that achievement!
Your resilience in the face of adversity and your emphasis on embracing serendipity is remarkable. Thank you for sharing such a powerful and inspiring story. The importance of saying 'yes' to new opportunities, connecting with others, and opening ourselves up to the unexpected is a valuable illustration of the transformative power of these serendipitous moments.
Thanks Winston!
Christopher. I agree writing is a serendipity. Countless times in the past 14 months of writing on Substack I finish a poem or parable and watch it take on a life of its own. I enjoy challenging the readers to think for themselves and let Gods word speak to them. Although I never considered myself a writer I look back and remember clients and customers always telling me that I always had a story. Good thoughts. Enjoyable.
Thanks Donald!
This is absolutely amazing. It's so true that those surprise connections can really move us forward on a path we may not have considered. I e Professor calls it happenstance. I'm a true Pollyanna and always believe the universe sends us what we need if we will open our eyes and see the signs. Thanks for such a wonderful post!
Thanks Lale!